Current SPEA students give insight into life in the masters program.

The Kinsey Institute

Indiana University Bloomington is home to the Kinsey Institute, which promotes the study and research of gender, human sexuality and reproduction. Perhaps some of you saw the film, Kinsey, that came out in 2004 that portrayed the life of Alfred Kinsey and discussed his research on human sexuality. I don’t know if you remember, but all of this took place right here in Bloomington!

Not only have scholars at Kinsey written some of the most groundbreaking work in this field, but the Institute itself is open to the public during the week. They have a gallery where they display different art exhibits. This month I went to see Women of Pleasure. This exhibit includes photographs, paintings, literature and much more of women from the 18th and 19th century.

A few months ago, the Institute is hosting a guest lecturer, a historian from the University of Illinois, who will speak on “The Sorceress, The Servant, and The Stays: Sexuality, Race, and Politics in Eighteenth-century Britain.” This was a wonderful and insightful lecture.

The Kinsey Institue isn’t the only academic institution or school on campus that hosts wonderful lectures. For example, just last week Bill Clinton spoke on campus and this week IUB is hosting the final showing of Riverdance – and tickets were under $20 for students!

As you can see, there are many wonderful opportunities to explore different & diverse intellectual topics, listen to political speakers and even attend wonderful arts entertainment.